It was a hot and smoggy summer morning. The rooster’s crow was all wrong while the beaming sun reflected a fiery red smear on the walls of the master bedroom. The south must have known that it would be hell in 1527 -- the rooster crowed at 3:00am that morning. The fluttering of the ambulance and police lights gave a glow to the sun’s reflection that now drizzled onto the blood stained carpet. “10-4, come in” the officer said. “Ahh yes, we have a homicide here at 1527 Deed Sweet Lane—send the coroner team.” This was Augusta’s most gruesome crime yet. “It wasn’t enough that your daddy gone, you had to take my daddy and my momma too—you bitch” shouted 18 year old Bria Jenkins. As Bria continued to shout, the officers hauled 17 year old Alexis Jenkins off to a squad car and charged her with the murder of Uncle Brando and Aunt Karen Jenkins. “Boom, boom, boom,” Asa banged on the window of the squad car as it began to pull off and shouted “I’m going to get you out of this sis, you hear me, I got you.” As the speed of the squad car gained momentum, Alexis’ eyes began to swell with waterfalls of pain, frustration, and confusion about how her life went wrong. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back to reminisce about her more deep-rooted times.
“Daddy, I’m goanna look like someone’s grandma with this skirt on,” Lexi, you’re not going to look no older than your peers, you are wearing that skirt—it’s not a fashion show. Plus, the school rules are for you to wear skirts that are knee length but if you don’t like it then wear pants Julian exclaimed. “Fine, whatever,” Lexi answered in her winey voice “kiss Ari for me.” Hey Missy, you know you have to give me my kiss before you leave out this house. Julian kissed Lexi before she went anywhere; he wished he could have kissed his wife one last time. Lexi kissed her father; he tickled her a little to win back his cool points and sent her off to school. “I love you daddy,” Lexi shouted, I love you too and tell your brother to bring his basketball home so we can work on his weak dribble! (Singing) “God is a good God, he’s a great God he can do anything…ring, ring,” the phone ranged, interrupting Julian’s morning praise song. He answered, Jenkins residence. “Hey Julian its Karen, sorry to bother you so early in the morning and all that you are enduring but I just wanted to let you know that Brando isn’t doing so well. They’ve finally diagnosed him with PSC.” Wait, wait, wait a minute, Julian replied, what is PSC? “It’s a liver disease with no cure and at this point, the doctor said that the only way he would have a chance to make it is if he had a live donor.” Hmmm, well I’ve donated blood to Brando before, I’m sure that donating part of my liver wouldn’t be a problem, plus I was just reading some brochures that can help me understand the whole donor thing, I read that liver transplants are pretty safe. I wish Ari was at the top of her donor’s list but I know that God has a plan. “Ju” Karen calls out, “I know that you are pretty optimistic when it comes to these sicknesses but do you really want to do this? I mean, you have kids.” Karen, Brando and I grew up in the same house together; we are more like brothers than cousins. I would do anything to save his life and I would hope that he would do the same. You can’t call me and tell me that my brother is about to die and think that I’m going to sit and twirl my thumbs. Is it possible to have the transplant done here in Atlanta because I have Ari and all? I won’t be able to come to Augusta. “Let me get back to you on that. I will call you back this evening but I’m almost sure that it’s possible but I will give Brando the news; he’ll be ecstatic to hear this. Thanks Ju and I will talk to you later.”
Boom—the door slams. Dad, I’m home Asa shouted while chewing his gum erratically. “What’s up dude, stop bouncing that ball in the house and why are you chewing that gum like that… I see Lexi gave you the message.” Yes, but too bad it’s pouring down raining. Hey dad, how was Ari doing today, I want to go and see her tomorrow. “Uuummm, she was doing ok, just a little more fatigued than usual, starting to lose the hair in the back. We can go see her in the morning though. I have something that I need to talk to you and Lexi about.” Ah man, I don’t like the way that sounds. It’s nothing wrong is it because the last time you said that, you chopped up our hermit crab in the garbage disposer and the time before that, mom died.“No man,” Julian chuckled, it’s nothing like that but here is Lexi coming through the back door now so you won’t have anxiety trying to figure out what it is.”
Evening
“Hey dad, they told me that I looked like Jackie Kennedy today, thanks!” Lexi said sarcastically. Ha, ha, ha—Asa and Julian laughed uncontrollably at the Jackie Kennedy joke. “Ewww dude, you’re slobbering” Julian shouted. I can’t help it; I couldn’t catch my breath because she really does look like a crispy fried Jackie Kennedy. “You kids are retarded. Sit down Lexi, I have to talk to you two about something.” Stoned face Lexi gingerly eased down in her seat. I’m scared, what is it dad? “Uncle Brando isn’t doing too well; he has an incurable liver disease.” The room fell silent as Lexi and Asa’s face filled with grief. So is he about to go, Lexi asked. “This is the thing; you know how your sister is on a donors list? Well, the only way to try to save Uncle Brando now is if a living person donates a portion of their liver. I’m going to be the person donating a piece of my liver.” So your just goanna give a piece of your liver away, just like that, as if it was candy. What if something happens to you Asa angrily shouted---what’s going to happen with Ari and us? “Asa, you want your sister to live, right? Someone has to give away their kidney just like that for it to happen---Sighs--look; I wouldn’t put my life in jeopardy if it wasn’t safe. I need you and you need me. Brando needs a piece of me too and I just talked to Karen and she just confirmed that the transplant could be done here--I won’t be going anywhere. I read that this is completely safe and if you’re thinking about me dying, then STOP IT” he shouted. “Death of living donors is rare –about 5 to1%, you have to have faith.”
Visit with Arielle
Where’s my little mermaid, I can’t see yooouuu. “I’m right here,” answered Ari with such blissfulness. I have a surprise for you, are you ready? “Oh daddy, I know what it is, it’s Lexi and Asa isn’t it?” Yes and that’s not fair, how did you know that? “Lexi called me yesterday and told me…sorry.” Hey snagatooth, Asa joked. Hey limp limp, you still got that weak dribble. “Oh, you joanin huh.” Lexi leaned in towards Ari’s hospital bed to hug her younger sister who she hadn’t seen for two weeks. Lexi began to talk to Ari about how she felt as they high fived each other and played slide. Asa, Lexi, and Julian entertained Ari until the Atlanta Medical Center that reeked of doo-doo gave them the boot.
Surgery day
I’m going to go upstairs to see Ari while dad and Uncle Brando is in surgery, do you wanna to come? “Nah” Asa answered in a salty tone. “I’ll go with you” Bria interrupted. Ok, come on. Wait, let me tell Aunt Karen where we’re going---Aunt Karen, we are going upstairs to see Ari; we’ll be back in about twenty minutes. Lexi and Bria went upstairs to visit Ari. When they returned an hour later, the surgery was successful and the two cousins were in the recovery room. So how long will my father have to stay here? “Oh Asa, it won’t be long, about a week at the most—I will take care of you guys until he recovers, don’t worry.” Aunt Karen hugged Asa (mmmmm) and kissed him on the forehead and said “your dad is a real hero!”
Days later
Help, help please--get the doctor Lexi dreadfully called out. Aunt Karen’s son Chase went to find Julian’s nurse immediately. Lexi desperately pushed the nurses’ button repeatedly until a bunch of doctors rushed in. I don’t know what’s wrong Lexi cried. Nurses and doctors were scrambling and running around everywhere. Julian laid motionless while Lexi and Chase watched in agony. Asa had no idea what was happening to his dad, he was upstairs visiting his 9 year old sister whose leukemia seemed to have gotten worse. Julian had went into cardiac arrest and by the time Asa arrived back downstairs to his father’s new home—the ICU, he was in a comma. Meanwhile, Uncle Brando was recovering just fine. His jaundice cleared up and he felt the difference in his health. No one bothered to tell him about cousin Ju’s condition because they didn’t want to worry him.
The next day
Man, this is bullshit Asa shouted, turning the heads of patients in the lobby of the hospital as the doctor turned and walked away with his life. I knew he shouldn’t have done it--5 out of 1% my ass. “Asa,” cried Lexi, “you are scaring me, and I’ve never heard you talk like that.” Asa dropped to his knees and began to sob lifelessly. Lexi dropped to her knees with him and they broke down together. “Whose goanna take care of us now, how are we goanna tell Ari” they cried. Bria and Chase were watching and sobbing as they watched the misfortune of their cousin’s life unfold. Aunt Karen bends down to pick them up. Chase grabbed Lexi just as Aunt Karen grabbed Asa and held him tight and just rocked him.
7 o’clock that evening
Ari, how are you doing sweetie? “Hi Aunt Karen, I’m tired. I wish my hair would grow back.” Oh it will sweetie, don’t you worry your pretty little face. Aunt Karen could barely feel her legs, and her heart felt like it was going to lunge out of her throat. Ari, Aunt Karen whispered, I have something to tell you. God called your daddy and he is in heaven now. “He is in heaven now? …ok…Wait; if he’s in heaven, then he’s not here right. He’s with mommy. But that means nobody is here with us.” No baby, I am here with you. I am here, Uncle Brando, Chase, Asa, Lexi, and Bria. We are all here with you. “But I want my own daddy” cried Ari. “Why did God have to take my mommy AND my daddy?” Ari stressed. “That’s not fair!”
2 Months later
Ma, I’m not having sex, Bria cried. “I don’t know and at this point I don’t care, I made you an appointment for a blood test and a pap smear so while you’re getting tampered with, we are going to see Ari so come up there when you are done and I want to see paperwork” Karen demanded. “And you are 18 now so if you and your healthy body don’t wanna abide by me and your dads rules than you know what to do!”
Lexi and Asa hastily walked down the hallway to see their sister who had now gone completely bald. Uuuhhmm, where is Ari? She was just in this room on Sunday, Lexi asked confusingly. “Let me check with the nurses at the desk---excuse me, I’m looking for Arielle Jenkins who was in room F-66.” Oh, and you are “Karen” she expressed politely. Ok, I called your house last night. Arielle didn’t do so well last night. Her vitals are low and she was vomiting blood on more than one occasion. She is in need for a donor now. We moved her to the Intensive Care Unit on the third floor, 5th wing. Only two of you can go in, the nurse explained. “Ok, excuse me, what happened when you called me. I mean, you have all the numbers in the world and you didn’t even leave a message---I just don’t understand” Ok, maam, interrupted nurse Oswald, I spoke to someone in your home. They said that Karen Jenkins or Brando Jenkins weren’t home. “Well, who did you speak with; I mean did they give you a name?” Karen argued as she began to move her hands to explain her point. Maam, I spoke Bri, Brianna. “Bria” Karen rudely interrupted, “you spoke to my stupid, inconsiderate daughter Bria— thanks maam.”
Cell conversation with Brando
Before going to the ICU, Karen called her husband Brando to update him on his niece Ari. “Baby, they moved Ari to the ICU. She is not doing so well. They called last night to tell us that she had been throwing up blood and something about her vitals but your daughter Bria never gave us the message. I think that you should come here. They only let 2 people visit in the ICU a day so I’m going to wait for you.” Ok, I’m on my way, man oh man!
Yah stay down here and wait for Bria, I’m going to the ICU and Brando is coming because she can only have 2 visitors a day. “Hold up, if anybody should be going in there it’s us, she don’t have nobody but us” Asa bickered. Believe me, I know and I’m not trying to take that away from you. She isn’t doing too well and we need to see how we can help so we need to talk to the doctors. I promise that we will bring you here tomorrow. Asa and Lexi smack their teeth and began to raise their eyebrows as if they were about to brawl. “Yeah, whatever, I wanna know what the doctors say” Asa demanded. Ok, I’m just trying to look out for your best interest. When Bria comes, yah come to the waiting area on the third floor, 5th wing. Karen headed to the ICU.
Man, this is bullshit Asa expressed. “Well I heard Aunt Karen talkin’ to that nurse and Ari was throwing up blood and she needs a donor. They called and Bria didn’t tell Aunt Karen or Uncle Brando, she didn’t even tell us. All she care about is herself. I can’t stand that winch. I’m so mad that we even have to be in this situation.” Who you tellin?’ Asa began to shake his head in doubt, “I told dad not to do it.”
At the ICU
Lexi, Asa and Bria walked up to the ICU. Karen and Brando were done with their visit and now speaking with a doctor in the waiting area. Rude Bria walked up to her mother while the doctor was explaining Ari’s condition and said sarcastically, “here momma, here’s my paperwork and no, I don’t have Aids.” Brando turned and gave her the eye that sent her switching to a seat in the waiting area. Karen glanced at the document while the doctor babbled, since she saw something about Bria being sexually active. “So she is still at the top of the donors list but the chances are pretty slim for o-negative blood types” the doctor explained. I’m goanna kick Bria’s ass, she is sexually active, Karen thought as the doctor continued on. “I don’t see her living past 3 more days.” Oh my goodness, Brando exclaimed wearily. “Wait, they have to be o-negative right?” Yes maam answered the doctor. “My daughter who is sitting over there, she is o-negative. Can she do this?” Yes, if she allows us to do a physical, an EKG and a couple of x-rays then yes, that’s great.” Ok, when we can schedule this, Karen asked. “Actually, we want to step on it because as I said, she doesn’t have very long. We can do a physical examination now and I will schedule the x-ray room for within the next hour.” After the doctors finished running their tests on Bria to prepare her for the kidney transplant, they scheduled the transplant surgery for 6am the next morning,
Surgery day
Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. “Hi how are you?” Brando asked. I’m great! My name is Doctor Glass, I and my team will be handling your niece and daughters surgery this morning. I just have some last minute requirements before we start the process. We have some paperwork that needs to be signed. The doctors began to prep Bria and her cousin Ari for a 3 hour kidney transplant procedure. As they began to wheel Bria to the operating room, she had flashbacks of her Uncle Julian’s death. “Wait, I don’t wanna do this.” Her father stood to the right of her bedside and her mother to the left. What do you mean you don’t want to it, her father asked irritably? “I mean I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to die like Uncle Ju, sheewww.” You are not going to die. Look, we are all she has. Her father saved my life, Brando cried. You are doing it. “No I am not,” Bria cried. She began to lift up. Doctor Glass heard the commotion and came out the blue double doors of the operating room and said “we will put you to sleep and you won’t feel a thing.” It’s not about not feeling it, it’s about the risk of dying and I’m not doing it. “Well your parents signed the paper” the doctor explained. They can’t sign any papers for me, I’m 18 years old. I don’t have to do this. The doctor looked at Karen and Brando and told them “she is right; you shouldn’t have signed the papers anyway.’
Later on that night, the atmosphere was extremely tense at 1527 Deed Sweet Lane. Chase had been out of town for two weeks and had no idea what was going on at home. Brando wasn’t talking to Bria or his wife. Asa and Lexi were stunned that Bria was so inconsiderate after their father died for saving her father’s life. Bria lounged in her bedroom with her music blasting out of her headphones with not a care in the world. There was no dinner that night. The phone call came in that little Ari was now with her mommy and daddy that once left her. At around 4am, 1527 turned into a massacre by Alexis Jenkins who left herself to go and stab Bria through her neck with the sharp metal stick from the fireplace. That wasn’t enough, she tiptoed to the master bedroom of Karen and Brando Jenkins and stabbed her uncle’s liver 9 times. Aunt Karen heard her husband groaning and saw the demon that governed Lexi’s body. She dialed 911 and that was it. Before Karen could say help, Lexi lunged towards her, stabbing Karen in the forehead.
No good deed goes unpunished!
